2001-2011: A Pivotal Decade of U.S. Diplomatic Engagement in the Middle East
2025-12-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Abbott Room
Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm was in her first week of Arabic language training at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, VA on the morning of September 11, 2001. A year earlier, she was working for the Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, supporting efforts to push forward the Camp David II initiative which nearly brought peace to the region. The events of September 11, 2001 redefined diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and the experience of Micaela’s generation of U.S. Foreign Service Arabists (the officers who committed years of training to be proficient in Arabic). Micaela will recount her experiences, using her personal stories to reflect on wider developments in U.S. diplomacy in the region during this tumultuous decade.
This program is offered as a Camden Conference Community Event in anticipation of the 2026 conference, “Today’s Middle East: Power, Politics, & Players” February 20-22, 2026.

NO KNITTING GROUP TODAY
2025-12-24 16:00, 2025-12-31 16:00 | Abbott Room
Knitters, crocheters, yarn enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome to join us every Wednesday , from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Abbott Room.
This drop-in event is a chance for knitters- and crocheters too- of all ages and experience levels to chat, get tips, and learn from each other while working on their own projects. Library staff will have computers available to demonstrate how to use Ravelry.com and other websites to help find patterns and organize your work. Registration is not required. For more information please call 338-3884 ext.10
Contact bharrington@belfastlibrary.org to sign up to to join the knitting group.

Teen Writing Table
2025-12-30 15:30 - 16:30 | Conference Room
Once again come gather with your fellow teen writers! At the Writing Table, you can share your work or simply use the quiet space to hang-out and write in a relaxed and non-judgmental space. This is a non-instructional program meant only to facilitate a safe and cozy writing environment. No homework, no pressure! Notebooks and prompts will be provided.
For ages 11-17
Date: Tuesday, December 30
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room at the Belfast Free Library

DJ Bookworm
2026-01-02 11:00 - 11:45 | Abbott Room
Youth Services of the Belfast Free Library presents: DJ Bookworm!
DJ Bookworm will be spinning children’s music and leading team building games for all ages. Come join in on the free family fun!
Date: Friday, January 2nd
Time: 11:00-11:45am
Location: Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library

Teens New Year's Resolution Box
2026-01-06 15:30 - 16:30 | Conference Room
Ring in the New Year by creating a time capsule for your 2027 self! Complete a variety of mini-crafts and decorate your Resolution Box. Crafts will include making beaded bracelets, creating mini-zines, writing a letter to your future self, and more! Document your 2025 highlights and record your goals for 2026. Save this box to open January 2027!
For ages 11-17
Date: Tuesday, January 6th
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room at the Belfast Free Library

New Event
2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00
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STEAM Team
2026-02-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Abbott Room
STEAM Team Youth Community Science Explorers Group is a monthly program focused on exploration of climate change.
Do you have a budding entrepreneur or scientist? 4-H Equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.
This year, we will dig into Maine agricultural businesses, from blueberries, maple sugaring, and potatoes to working waterfronts and Agri-tourism and see how they face challenges brought on by the changing world around us.
Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join this partnership between the University of Maine’s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, create connections with peers, and meet scientists and staff from the University of Maine and other Maine organizations that support Maine business growth.
Registration is Required. Link found below.
For more information or to register, visit the program’s website (https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/) or contact the Belfast Free Library. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Karen Giles, karen.giles@maine.edu (207) 342-5971

Dates: First Thursday of the Month, October 2025 – May 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Location: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Valentine Cards and Crafts
2026-02-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Abbott Room
Join Randi and Jane in the Abbott Room for a card and craft making bonanza! Make a Valentine’s Day card for all the sweethearts in your life! Craft supplies will be provided. This is an all-ages event.
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm ; Drop-Ins Welcome!
Location: Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library

Puppet Show with Tom Knight
2026-02-19 11:00 - 11:45 | Abbott Room
With catchy songs, colorful puppets, and plenty of audience participation, this family-friendly program brings the magic of the library to life for children and adults alike.
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 11:00pm – 11:45am
Location: Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library

Teen Zentangles
2026-02-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Conference Room
Relax and focus with the meditative sweeps and swirls of zentangles. Design your own or follow a pattern. Add a splash of watercolor or leave your artwork as pen and ink. There are endless ways to draw a tangle!
For ages 11-17
Date: Tuesday, February 23
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room at the Belfast Free Library
